The Research and Postgraduate Centre congratulates Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun and Dr. Tan Ji Siang from Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), Center of Excellence for NaNo Energy & Catalysis Technology (CONNECT), School of Energy and Chemical Engineering (SECE) for being awarded the IChemE Malaysia Energy Award 2026 for their project, "Integrated Photocatalytic Solar-to-Hydrogen Panels for Renewable Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Clean Electrification”.

Aiming to support the advancement of integrated systems for solar-driven hydrogen generation and potential clean-energy applications, the project focuses on integrating photocatalytic solar-to-hydrogen panels with hydrogen production, storage and clean electrification, addressing key challenges in the development of renewable energy technologies.

The award ceremony was held in Kuala Lumpur on 5 October 2026 and presented by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), a UK based and internationally recognised qualifying body and learned society for chemical, biochemical and process engineers. 

Photo of the presentation

Prof. Dr. Ong acknowledged the contributions of the wider research team, including postdoctoral research fellow Dr. Noor Ashikin Binti Mohamad and research engineer Ms. Nurul Aqilah Binti Razali. The project was developed in close collaboration with NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB).

Group photo

As the recipient of the national award, CONNECT will go on to represent Malaysia at the IChemE Global Awards 2026.